6. Outlaw Star Spaceward ho? While not quite a space opera, but something close combined with a pirate tale, this series can't be ignored. In this space chase, Captain Gene Starwind and his crew of misfits provide plenty of action, adventure, and comic relief. This series is hard to miss because of its theme song. "Through the Night" is one of the most energetic rock themes out there - plus, did I mention it ROCKS? The end title, "Dark Moon", is a stark contrast to the intro theme. It is slower, more melodic, and the arrangement sounds like a classical folksong - something that is key to one of the main character's storylines. This polarity between opening and closing themes is a key part of modern anime.

5. Neon Genesis Evangelion What's better than teenagers who have to pilot giant humanoid robots to fight aliens called "Angels" in order to prevent the Apocalypse? Not much that's what. Evangelion is a classic series that fans have been on top of before it was even aired on American TV. Gotta love fan subs. The opening theme, "Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze (Thesis of a Cruel Angel)", is classic J-Pop and sounds like it could have been written during the "eighties" era of Japanese music. The score also mirrors this and makes me think it was inspired somewhat by our next entry. The end title is "Fly Me to the Moon", a cover of the Frank Sinatra classic. How can you beat that?!?

4. Robotech Thank you Harmony Gold! If you're a fan of anime, then in all likelihood Robotech introduced you to it. This classic space opera took the States by storm beginning in 1985 by combining three Japanese series into one large, overarching series. Robotech introduced us to the now infamous characters Rich Hunter, Lynn Minmay, Roy Focker, and Captain Global. As soon as this theme played behind the action-packed opening title, we were hooked. It was almost like when Jerry Maguire had Rene Zellweger at "hello," but better! The score and Minmay's songs are unforgettable as this series may be the litmus test for any up and coming anime series.

3. Trigun The $$60,000,000,000 man? Have you met Vash the Stampede, The Humanoid Typhoon? He walks softly, carries a big gun, but guess what? He never wants to fire it, but you'll be sorry if he does. Anime fans couldn't have asked for a better spaghetti western. This soundtrack comes in tough as rawhide with great rolling electro-rock arrangements that lend credibility to this great series. The score provides a perfect backdrop for the neo-futuristic, bonanza-like setting. The theme song, "H.T.", is right on target as it hits with the heaviest guitar riffs of any theme yet. Ready, aim, and in the words of Vash, peace . . .

2. AKIRA "I am Tetsuo . . ." Katsuhiro Otomo's sci-fi masterpiece took anime to an even larger scale in 1990 when Streamline Pictures brought the big budget film to the States. This changed everything! Not only is the film still one of the most highly regarded anime productions, but the soundtrack is both pulse-poundingly eerie and beautiful. The rhythmic production and percussive instrumentation of the main character's themes are tense, energetic, and emotionally crippling. Which only leads the audience to relate to and identify with their plight.

1. Cowboy Bebop And the winner is Bebop! Yoko Kanno strikes again. From beginning to end this may be one of the best anime ever and certainly is tops when it comes to music. Kanno's brilliant songwriting is on display from the beginning to the end of this soundtrack. The theme, "Tank!" is a big band jazz piece that absolutely sizzles. With blaring horns and a rolling bass line this track cannot be missed. Each other song is great in it's own right as the entire set just jams just like the opening theme says. Additional key tracks are: "Real Folk Blues", "Rain", and "Ask DNA." The music is just cool. If you've missed out on these gems, make like the Sugar Hill Gang and "jump on it, Kemosabi!"